Jaunpur/Lucknow. Torrential rains over the past few days in Uttar Pradesh have completely disrupted normal life. Rivers and drains are overflowing in several districts, while waterlogging in low-lying areas and on roads is causing significant hardship for residents. In view of the waterlogging and safety risks resulting from the rain, the Jaunpur district administration has taken a major decision.
The District Magistrate (DM) of Jaunpur has issued an official order to keep all schools—government, non-government, council-run, and private—up to Class 12 closed on August 18. The administration has clarified that there will be no compromise on children’s safety and that strict punitive action will be taken against institutions violating this order.
Rain Worsens Situation in Jaunpur and Other Districts
Intermittent heavy rainfall over the last 48 hours in both urban and rural areas of Jaunpur district has created a critical situation. Water levels have risen to 2–3 feet in major city intersections, residential colonies, government offices, and several low-lying areas.
Traffic movement has been severely disrupted due to waterlogging on the roads. In many places, drain water is overflowing onto the streets, causing immense difficulty for pedestrians and motorists. The administration took this decision with immediate effect, specifically considering the significant inconvenience faced by young schoolchildren and their parents during the morning commute.
District Magistrate’s Strict Stance and Directives
The Jaunpur District Magistrate has directed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), the Basic Education Officer (BSA), and the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) to inspect their respective areas and ensure that no school up to Class 12 remains open on August 18. The District Magistrate (DM) stated, “Continuous rainfall has led to waterlogging in various parts of the district. Prioritizing the safety of children, a holiday has been declared for August 18 for schools across all boards, ranging from nursery to Class 12. All principals and school managers have been instructed to strictly comply with this order.”
Additionally, the administration has directed municipal and town council teams to immediately begin draining water by deploying pump sets.
Monsoon’s Fury Across the State
It is not just Jaunpur; monsoon rains are wreaking havoc across the entire state of Uttar Pradesh, including the Purvanchal region. Heavy downpours have disrupted normal life in neighboring districts such as Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ghazipur, Bhadohi, Azamgarh, and Gorakhpur.
Farmers’ Concerns and Relief: While the continuous rain is benefiting paddy crops, it has also raised the risk of crop rot due to water accumulation in low-lying fields and damage to early-season vegetables.
Disruption to Road and Rail Traffic: Bus services have slowed down in several locations due to rain and waterlogging. Rural areas have been cut off from main roads, causing significant difficulties for daily commuters.
Interruption in Power and Water Supply: In many areas, power supply has stalled due to water entering transformers and the collapse of electricity poles caused by waterlogging; consequently, residents are also grappling with a drinking water crisis.
Meteorological Department Warning and Administrative Appeal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intermittent heavy rainfall and lightning strikes in several parts of Purvanchal and Central UP over the next few days. ‘Orange’ and ‘Yellow’ alerts have been issued by the department.
In view of the weather conditions, the district administration has appealed to citizens to remain vigilant:
Avoid Unnecessary Travel: People should avoid venturing into waterlogged areas and must not allow children to play near accumulated water or flooded spots. Keep a safe distance from electricity poles: Rain and moisture increase the risk of electric current leaking into poles and wires; therefore, maintain a safe distance from them.
Exercise caution regarding mud houses and dilapidated structures: Continuous rainfall raises the risk of the collapse of weak walls and mud houses; residents in such areas should seek shelter in safe locations.
The Uttar Pradesh government and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) are continuously monitoring the situation. Strict instructions have been issued to all District Magistrates to keep control rooms operational round-the-clock and to ensure relief supplies are ready to handle any emergency.
